BYRON TOWNSHIP — A wrestling coach who is in hot water over allegations of gun talk at a sleepover party last month said Monday night that he disputes any assertions of misconduct leveled by parents.

“These allegations are unfounded,” said Byron Center High School wrestling coach James Maxim. “This has caused a great deal of harm and emotional distress to myself and my family.”

Maxim is on paid suspension from his coaching spot while the school district conducts an investigation into whether he made mention of a weapon or a carry concealed weapon permit that put some students ill at ease.

The alleged incident took place in January when Maxim had a group of wrestling team members at his home overnight in preparation for the regional competition in Reed City.

School superintendent Dan Takens said parents have complained but none have said a gun was seen or that anyone felt overly threatened.

Maxim made a brief statement on the phone Monday night, calling the paid suspension a matter of procedure routine to the school’s investigation.

“I have a passion for the sport of wrestling and my heart has been broken by this lady’s allegations,” he said.

Kent County Sheriff’s Department has not opened an investigation, said Undersheriff Jon Hess. If Maxim had a CCW and simply mentioned it, there is no crime to be investigated.